Man, 28, charged after allegedly climbing Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport fence to catch missed flight

Police say a passenger running late scaled a fence at a regional NSW airport in a bid to catch his flight – bypassing security. Here’s what we know.

The outside of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. Picture: File

Police allege a passenger running late scaled a fence at Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport in a bid to catch his flight – bypassing security.

The 28-year-old man has been charged under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations Act for allegedly entering an airside area/airside security zone without permission.

NSW Police state the arrived at the small regional airport and tried to check in for a flight about 8.30am last Thursday.

A street sign directing people to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. Picture: File

He was told by airport staff he had missed the check in for the departing flight, but headed to the security gates to try to get aboard anyway, police allege.

Security told the man the flight was no longer boarding and was about to jet off.

It’s alleged the would-be passenger bolted out of the airport, threw his bag over the perimeter fence and climbed over.

The tarmac at the airport. Picture: File

Police state the man watched the flight leave and took off from the airport on foot.

However, police charged the man soon after.

It’s not alleged he posed a threat to the plane, passengers or that he caused a delay.

The man was granted conditional bail to face Ballina Local Court on August 29.